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Barnsley v Preston preview

Date published: Monday 24th August 2015 1:58

Barnsley are expected to include new loan signing Jacob Mellis in their squad for the game. The 20-year-old Chelsea midfielder arrived on loan until the end of the season in time to be considered, but fellow new signing Frank Nouble’s deal did not get completed in time for him to be included.
Skipper Stephen Foster remains doubtful with a gashed shin sustained in the recent derby win at Doncaster, so an unchanged back four of Jason Shackell, Bobby Hassell, Matt Hill and Kieran Trippier could start.
Teenagers Alistair Taylor and Steven Bennett stepped off the bench in the second half on Saturday and will be hoping to play bigger roles but defenders Jay McEveley and Luke Potter are still sidelined with knee injuries.
Preston boss Phil Brown could hand debuts to new signings Ian Ashbee and Leon Clarke when his rock-bottom side make the trip to Barnsley.
Midfielder Ashbee has arrived from Hull and may go straight into the starting line-up at Oakwell.
North End last week signed QPR striker Clarke on loan until the end of the season.
The 25-year-old joined Rangers on a free transfer over the summer after leaving Sheffield Wednesday, but has started just four matches for Neil Warnock’s side.
Preston chairman Maurice Lindsay revealed the club turned down offers for Andrew Lonergan, Billy Jones and Sean St Ledger.
Cardiff faxed an offer for Lonergan on Sunday and Ipswich were chasing St Ledger, while a second bid by Bristol City for Jones was rejected.